Pigeons sitting on your roof might not seem like much of a problem, but once they discover the space beneath your solar panels, things can quickly change. While the panels themselves are built to cope with years of British weather, nesting birds can create issues around the installation that are often overlooked. So, can birds damage solar panels? Although it’s rarely the panels themselves that suffer, birds can create a range of problems around your solar system if they’re allowed to nest beneath it.
Why do birds nest under solar panels?
Once solar panels are installed, they create a sheltered space between the roof and the underside of the panels.
For birds, this offers protection from predators and poor weather, making it an ideal place to build nests.
Pigeons are the most common culprit, although other birds may also take advantage of the space depending on where you live.
Once birds begin nesting, they often return year after year if nothing is done to prevent access.
Can birds damage solar panels?
The solar panels themselves are extremely robust, so birds rarely cause direct damage to the glass or frame.
However, birds can create several indirect problems, including:
• Nesting materials collecting beneath the panels
• Droppings building up around the array
• Reduced airflow beneath the panels
• Damage to roof coverings over time
• Chewed or disturbed cables in rare cases
• Increased maintenance requirements
In severe cases, large nests can block drainage routes or make future maintenance more difficult.
Does bird mess reduce solar performance?
Bird droppings can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching a solar panel if they build up on the surface.
A small amount usually has very little effect, especially after rainfall. However, large areas of bird mess or repeated build up can reduce the amount of electricity the system generates.
Keeping your panels clean and ensuring birds cannot nest underneath helps your system continue performing at its best.
Should bird protection be installed?
Bird protection, often called bird mesh, is one of the best ways to stop birds accessing the space beneath your panels.
The mesh fits around the outside edge of the solar array and helps prevent birds from entering, while still allowing airflow beneath the panels.
It’s a simple addition that can save homeowners from expensive cleaning or maintenance work in the future.
If birds are already nesting beneath your panels, it’s important to seek advice before attempting to remove them, as certain birds and active nests are protected under UK wildlife legislation.
Can bird protection be added later?
Yes.
If your solar panels were installed without bird protection, mesh can often be added afterwards.
Many homeowners contact us a few years after installation once they notice increased bird activity.
Retrofitting bird protection is usually straightforward and helps prevent the problem from getting worse.
Bird Protection Can Help Protect the Birds Too
Solar panel bird protection is not only about protecting your roof and solar installation. It can also help prevent birds from nesting in an area that may not be safe for them.
The sheltered space underneath solar panels can look like an ideal nesting spot. However, birds may come into contact with cables, nesting materials can become caught around components, and young birds can sometimes struggle to get back out of confined spaces. There is also the risk of birds becoming trapped or injured underneath the array.
Installing suitable bird protection helps stop birds from accessing this space in the first place. This encourages them to find a more appropriate nesting location while helping to keep the area beneath the solar panels clear and safe.
Importantly, bird protection should be installed responsibly and with consideration for wildlife. If birds are already nesting, their nests, eggs and young may be protected by law, so the situation needs to be handled correctly rather than simply removing an active nest.
For us, good bird protection is about looking after the whole installation while also taking a responsible approach to the wildlife around your home.
Looking after your solar system
Like any home improvement, solar panels benefit from occasional inspections.
It’s worth keeping an eye out for:
• Birds regularly flying beneath the panels
• Nesting materials around the roof
• Excessive bird droppings
• Unusual noises coming from the roof space
• Visible debris around the solar array
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth arranging for your system to be inspected before a small issue becomes a larger one.
We install solar systems designed to last
At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we design and install high quality solar PV systems across Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys, Lytham St Annes and the surrounding Lancashire area.
We also provide advice on protecting your investment, including bird prevention solutions where appropriate.
Our aim is to ensure your solar system continues performing efficiently for many years after installation.
Speak to our team
Whether you’re considering solar panels or already have a system that needs some attention, we’re here to help.
Our experienced team can advise on new installations, battery storage, system upgrades and bird protection solutions to help keep your solar panels performing at their best.
Ready to protect your solar investment?
